Football news from across the Devon Leagues

For the first time in the 2023/24 football season, the weather had a serious impact on fixtures across Devon, as groundstaff battled gamely to beat the rain. 

Devon pro clubs had no such concerns, although the results were not as desired, two defeats and a draw the final outcome. Plymouth Argyle fought bravely at high-flying Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet Championship before going down to a 3-2 defeat in Suffolk. 

A late equaliser from Ryan Trevitt finally brought an end to a rough six-game losing streak for Exeter City, as they earned a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City, but the pressure is mounting on Torquay United boss Gary Johnson, who saw his side slump to a gloomy 3-1 defeat at Hampton & Richmond. 

Argyle welcome Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough to Home Park on Saturday, while the Grecians have a tricky home clash with Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup. Torquay host Bath City in the National League South and a massive game for the Gulls.  

Exmouth Town remain bottom of the Southern League after a 3-2 loss at home to Bristol Manor Farm, while Willand Rovers suffered a rare off day, going down 4-2 at home to Bemerton Heath Harlequins. A late winner from debutant Lewis Hill did provide some Devon cheer, as Bideford won 2-1 at Evesham United. 

Barnstaple Town remain unbeaten in the Toolstation Western League, drawing 0-0 with Falmouth Town. Brixham are just three points behind leaders Clevedon Town after thrashing lowly Wellington 5-1 and Ilfracombe Town won 2-1 at Oldland Abbotonians. 

Just three games survived the deluge in the South West Peninsula League. Cullompton Rangers overpowered struggling Dartmouth with a 5-0 win, a last-gasp winner gave Okehampton Argyle a 1-0 win over Axminster Town and Bishops Lydeard beat Stoke Gabriel 3-2.  

Ivybridge remain eight points clear at the top, prior to their scheduled midweek trip to Stoke Gabriel, with Bridport, Crediton and Axminster leading the chasing pack. Axminster hosting Crediton is the big game for the weekend ahead.  

A superb 2-0 win for Appledore at home to leaders University of Exeter has made the Devon Football League even more interesting at the top. The leading seven clubs are separated by just four points, while Ottery St Mary, in tenth, are only six points off the top.  

North Molton are currently second on goal difference after they leapfrogged Lakeside Athletic with a compelling 3-2 victory, thanks to goals from Andrew Alexander, Ian Cockwill and Luke Thorne. Midweek games see North Molton host the University.  

Barnstaple Town 2nds are fifth from bottom but still only ten points off the lead, and Barum were ruthless in despatching lowly Feniton with a 4-1 victory in East Devon. Callum Deemer, Cameron Osborne, Blake Shapland and Kevin Squire scored the goals for Barum.

Pitches in the North Devon Football League held up admirably well in the wet weather and there was a massive result in the Premier Division, Braunton inflicting an almost unheard-of defeat on all-conquering Boca Seniors.

Landkey Town travelled to Appledore Lions for a mid-table clash and the visitors prevailed, thanks to strikes from Callum Ackland, Max Holding and Danny Hommell. Jordan Wonnacott scored the consolation for the Lions.

Congratulations to North Molton 2nds, who picked up their first point of the campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw at home to Holsworthy 2nds. Tom Harries and Max Symns scored for the Stags, Rob Pearce and Matt Carter replying for Holsworthy.

In the one game played in the Senior Division, Ilfracombe Town 2nds took their chance to lead the pile with an enthralling 5-4 triumph at Torridgseside 2nds. Kyle Reyner notched a fine hat-trick for the Bluebirds and Dan Huggins bagged a brace. The scorers for T-Side were Tom Hampton (2), Billy Rose and Logan White.

Five games were played in Intermediate One and the big winners were Shamwickshire Rovers, who trounced Morwenstow 8-1. South Molton remain top after a 2-1 win over Kingley Wizards, while Merton scored an amazing 13 goals to beat Morwenstow 2nds and they lead Intermediate Two.